Old man names are becoming increasingly popular. A generation of parents is returning to their roots and choosing these far more traditional names for their little boys.
It’s really fantastic to see a return to these retro names and see that parents are no longer choosing a baby name because a celebrity did or that they feel the need to choose the most unique name.
Many of these names have a quiet, timeless sophistication to them that will suit any little boy.
They very much remind us of a time that was less stressful, when children had lots more freedom to grow and explore without the dangers that they face in this decade.
These retro names may also hold an emotional attachment as they remind you of a favorite uncle or grandad. So take a look at our extensive list and see if a name from a bygone era can spark your interest.
A
Abner – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and means ‘father of light.’ This was the name of the commander of Saul’s army and appears twice in the New Testament.
Abraham – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘father of multitudes.’ This is among the most classic boy’s names that are still used widely today and has references to both the Bible and American History.
Adrian – A name that’s Roman in origin and it means ‘sea or water.’
Albert – This name means ‘noble’ or ‘bright’ and it’s of German origin. It remained popular for 80 years, granted it’s not as popular as names such as George and Arthur but it could be a great classic choice for a little boy.
Alexander – A name that’s Greek in origin and it means ‘defender of the people.’
Alfred – A name of English origin and it means ‘wise counselor.’ It’s not a particularly commonly used name but could give you the option of shortening it to Fred. Alfred is quite popular in some European countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Allen – A name of Celtic origin and it means ‘stone’ or ‘harmony.’
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Aloysius – A name that’s Latin in origin and means ‘famous warrior.’ This name is very unusual yet traditional, provides the opportunity for lots of pet names, and is a name that definitely makes a statement. It’s a name that is familiar to those people looking for a Catholic name as it was the name of the saint who died treating those afflicted by a pandemic.
Amos – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘carried by God.’ Amos was an eighth century BC prophet whose sayings are all collected in the biblical book of the same name. It was also a very popular name with the Puritans.
Archibald – A name of Spanish origin and it means ‘truly brave.’ It can be shortened to Archie which is a super cute pet name and is very popular and trendy in the UK.
Archie – A name of German origin and it means ‘truly brave.’ It’s a diminutive of Archibald and made the headlines recently when it became the name of the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aka Harry and Meghan. This has made the name skyrocket in popularity as a retro-cool name for a baby boy.
Arlo – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘fortified hill.’
Arthur – A name of Celtic origin and it means ‘bear.’ For most people, this name is associated with the head of the Knights of the Round Table and is enjoying a rise in popularity.
Augustus – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘great.’ Three kings of Poland were named Augustus but it was made famous by the character Augustus Gloop in the novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
B
Barney – This name means ‘son of comfort’ and it’s hugely popular in the UK. It’s seen as a hip name amongst new parents and has been in the top 500 in the UK since 2012. It is a much harder sell in the US due to characters such as Barney the Dinosaur.
Bartholomew – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘son of the furrow.’ Bartholomew is the name of an apostle but has not been highly sort after for centuries but it does offer an old but rare choice.
Basil – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘regal.’
Benedict – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘blessed.’
Benjamin – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘son of my right hand.’
Bernard – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘strong, or brave as a bear.’
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Bertram – A name of German origin, meaning ‘bright raven.’
Blake – A name that’s English in origin and it means dark.’
Bruce – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘willow lands.’
C
Cal – A diminutive of Calvin and it means ‘bald’ or ‘hairless’ in Latin.
Calvin – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘bald’ or ‘hairless.’
Casper – A name of Persian origin and it means ‘bringer of treasure.’ It’s the Dutch form of Jasper.
Cecil – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘blind.’
Cedric – A name of Celtic origin and it means ‘gift of splendor.’
Charles – A name that’s German origin and it means ‘free man.’
Chester – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘fortress or walled town.’
Clarence – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘bright.’
Clem – A name of English origin and it’s a diminutive of Clement. It means ‘mild’ or ‘merciful’ in Latin.
Clifford – A name that’s English origin and it means ‘ford near a slope.’
Clive – A name that’s Old English in origin and it means ‘cliff dweller.’
Clyde – A name of Scottish origin and it’s the name of the Scottish river. Clyde may also be identified with the infamous outlaw duo with partner Bonnie Parker.
Conrad – A name of Germanic origin and it means ‘brave counsel.’
Cornelius – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘horn.’
Cornell – Cornell means ‘crow’ and it has an impressive range of connections from collage artist Joseph Cornell, photographer Cornell Capa and Cornell University.
Cy – A diminutive of Cyrus and in Persian, it means ‘sun.’
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Cyril – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘lordly.’
Cyrus – A name of Persian origin and it means ‘sun.’
D
Daniel – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘God is my judge.’
Derek – A name that’s Teutonic origin and it means ‘gifted ruler.’
Dennis – A name that’s French in origin. From Greek, it’s a form of Dionysis from Greek mythology.
Desmond – This name originates as an Irish surname and it means ‘one from south Munster.’
Donald – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘proud chief.’
Douglas – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘dark river.’
Duncan – A name of Gaelic origin and it means ‘dark-haired warrior.’
E
Earl – This name is of English origin and it’s a title name. It was brought to England by the Vikings. It peaked in popularity in the 1920s which gives it a very old-world vibe.
Edgar – A name that’ English in origin and it means ‘wealthy spearman.’
Edmund – A name of English origin and it means ‘fortunate protector.’
Edward – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘wealthy guardian.’
Edwin – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘wealthy friend.’ It may be surprising but Edwin has been on the popular names list since statistics have become available.
Elijah – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘god, the lord.’
Elmer – A name of English origin and it means ‘noble and renowned.’ Elmer was a top 100 name for over 50 years until 1937.
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Enoch – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘dedicated.’
Ephraim – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘fruitful, fertile, or productive.’
Ernest – With both English and German origin, it means ‘serious’ or ‘resolute.’
Esau – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘hairy.’
Eugene – A boy’s name of Greek origin and it means ‘wellborn’ or ‘noble.’
Ezekiel – Ezekiel is derived from the Hebrew name Yechezqel, made up of chazaq meaning ‘to strengthen’ and el which refers to God.
Ezra – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘help.’
F
Felix – A name of Roman origin and it means ‘fortunate or happy.’
Floyd – A name of Welsh origin and it means ‘gray-haired.’
Forrest – A name of English origin and it means ‘dweller near the woods.’
Francis – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘free one.’
Frank – A name of German origin, meaning ‘Frenchman’ or ‘free man.’ It is a diminutive of Francis or Franklin.
Franklin – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘free landholder.’
Frederick – A name of German origin and it means ‘peaceful ruler.’
G
Gabriel – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘God is my strength.’
Geoffrey – A name with both French and Anglo-Saxon origin and it means ‘pledge of peace.’
George – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘farmer.’
Gerald – A name of English origin and it means ‘ruler with the spear.’
Gerard – A name of English origin and it means ‘spear strength.’
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Gideon – This name is of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘hewer’ or ‘having a stump for a hand.’
Gilbert – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘shining pledge.’
Godfrey – A name of German origin and it means ‘God’s peace.’
Gordon – A name that’s Scottish in origin, and it means great hill. Gordon is one of the most classic authentically Scottish names for boys.
Grover – A name of English origin that means ‘lives near a grove of trees.’
Gus – A name of Irish origin and it means ‘great’ or ‘magnificent’ in Latin.
H
Hal – A diminutive of Harold and Henry that’s German in origin. Hal means ‘estate ruler.’
Harold – A name that has a Scandinavian origin and it means ‘army ruler.’
Harry – A diminutive of Henry and German in origin. It means ‘estate ruler.’
Harvey – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘battle-worthy.’
Hector – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘holding fast.’
Henry – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘power or ruler.’
Herbert – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘bright army.’
Herman – A name of German origin and it means ‘soldier’ or ‘warrior.’
Hiram – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘brother of the exalted one.’
Homer – A name that is very much associated with the Character from the Simpsons Homer Simpson. It is Greek in origin and it means ‘security’ or ‘pledge.’
Horace – This is a Latin clan name and it means ‘timekeeper.’
Howard – A name of both German and English origin. Howard means ‘high guardian’ or ‘brave heart.’
Hubert – A name that’s German origin and it means ‘bright, shining intellect.’
Hugh – A name of English, German and Irish origin, meaning ‘mind’ or ‘intellect.’
Humphrey – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘peaceful warrior.’
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I
Ichabod – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘departed glory.’
Ignatius – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘fiery.’
Ira – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘watchful one.’
Isaac – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘laughing’ or ‘he will laugh.’
Ivan – A name that’s Slavic in origin and it means ‘God is gracious.’
Ivor – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘archer.’
J
Jacob – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘to follow behind.’
James – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘he grasps the heel or substitute.’
Jarvis – A name that’s Old English in origin and it means ‘spearman.’
Jasper – A name of Persian origin and it means ‘bringer of treasure.’
Jeremy – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘God will uplift.’
Jerome – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘sacred name.’
Jethro – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘excellence.’
John – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘to be gracious.’
Jonah – A name of Hebrew origin that means ‘dove’ or ‘pigeon.’
Joseph – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘God will add or increase.’
Jules – With both French and Latin origins, it means ‘youthful, soft, or downy.’
Julius – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘youthful’ or ‘downy bearded.’
K
Kenneth – A name of Irish origin, meaning ‘handsome.’
Kevin – A name that’s Irish in origin and it means ‘dear or noble.’
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L
Laurence – A name that means ‘bright one’ or ‘one from Laurentium’ and it’s of Roman origin.
Laurie – A spelling variation of Lawrence and it means ‘from Laurentium.’
Leander – A name that’s Greek in origin and it means ‘lion man.’
Leland – A name of English origin and it means ‘meadowland.’
Leonard – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘brave lion.’
Leopold – A name of German origin and it means ‘brave people.’
Linus – A name that’s Greek in origin and it means ‘flax.’
Lionel – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘young lion.’
Lloyd – A name that’s Welsh in origin and it means ‘gray.’
Lou – A diminutive of Louis or Lewis with both French and German origin. Lou means ‘renowned warrior.’
Louis – A name that’s German and French origin and it means ‘renowned warrior.’
Luther – A name of German origin and it means ‘army people.’
Lyle – With Scottish, French, and English origins, it means ‘someone who lives on an island.’
M
Marshall – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘one who looks after horses.’
Martin – A name of Latin origin and it means ‘warlike.’
Max – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘the greatest.’
Melvin – With both English and Scottish origin, it means ‘council protector.’
Mercer – This is a French occupational name and it means ‘a merchant.’
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Merlin – A name of Welsh origin and it means ‘fortress of the sea.’
Michael – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘gift from god.’
Milton – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘settlement with a mill.’
Monroe – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘mouth of the Roe River.’
Monty – A diminutive of Montague and Montgomery, meaning pointy hill in French.
Morris – An English variation of Maurice and it means ‘dark-skinned.’
Mortimer – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘dead sea.’
Murray – A name of Scottish origin and it means ‘settlement by the sea.’
N
Ned – A name of Old English origin and it means ‘wealthy guardian.’
Neville – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘man from the North.’
Norman – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘northerner’ or ‘Norseman.’
O
Oliver – A name that’s of Latin origin and it means ‘olive tree.’
Orson – With both Latin and English in origin, it means ‘bear cub.’
Orville – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘gold town.’
Oscar – A name of Germanic origin and it means ‘spear of God.’
Osgood – A name that means ‘divine creator’ and of Teutonic origin.
Oswald – A name of English origin and it means ‘divine power.’
Oswin – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘god’s friend.’
Otis – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘wealthy.’
Otto – A name of German origin and it means ‘wealthy.’
Owen – A name that’s Welsh in origin and it means ‘fighter’ or ‘noble.’
Ozzie – A short form for Osmond, and Oswald.
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P
Patrick – A name that’s of Latin origin and it means ‘nobleman.’
Percival – A name of French origin and it means ‘one who pierces the valley.’
Percy – This is a French surname from Perci-en-Auge.
Peter – A name of Greek origin and it means ‘stone or rock.’
Phileas – A name that’s Greek in origin and it means ‘affectionate.’
Prescott – A name that’s English in origin and it means priest’s cottage.
Preston – A name of English origin and it means ‘priest’s estate.’
Q
Quentin – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘fifth.’
Quincy – A name that’s French in origin and it means ‘estate of the fifth son.’
R
Ralph – A name of English origin and it means ‘wolf counsel.’
Raymon – A name that means ‘wise protector’ and it’s of German origin.
Reginald – A name of English origin and it means ‘counsel power.’
Reuben – A name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘behold, a son.’
Roderick – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘famous ruler.’
S
Sidney – A name of French origin and it means ‘Saint-Denis.’ It’s related to Dionysius, the Greek god of fertility and wine.
Silas – A name with both English and Latin origins and it means ‘wood’ or ‘forest.’
Solomon – A name that’s Hebrew in origin and it means ‘peace.’
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T
Theodore – A name that’s Greek in origin and it means ‘gift of God.’
Truman – A name of English origin and it means ‘loyal one.’
U
Ulysses – This name is a Latin variation of the Greek Odysseus. It’s one of the very few ‘U’ boy names anyone actually knows.
Urban – A name that’s Latin in origin and it means ‘of the city.’
V
Vernon – A name of English origin and it means ‘place of alders.’
Victor – A name that’s Latin in origin, meaning ‘conqueror.’ For me, the name is synonymous with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as the first name of Dr. Frankenstein.
W
Walter – A name of German origin and it means ‘army’ or ‘ruler.’
Wilbur – A name that’s German in origin and it means ‘resolute’ or ‘brilliant.’ It’s also the name of the loveable pig in Charlotte’s Web.
Wilson – A name that’s English in origin and it means ‘son of Will.’
Z
Zacharias – This name is the Greek form of Hebrew Zachariah and it means ‘the Lord has remembered.’
The Final Thought
There are some amazing names in this list that would be classed as Old Man names. Many of them are making a much-needed rise in popularity as a generation of parents choose to return to these more traditional names.
This list is only the tip of the iceberg for these kinds of names and there are many more out there so you are sure to find one that your love.
